Current Sensors

Current sensors are designed for measuring, monitoring, and converting electric current into a signal convenient for control systems. They are used in switchboard equipment, automation systems, energy monitoring, motor protection, frequency converters, power supplies, industrial installations, and dispatching systems.

The main task of a current sensor is to accurately determine the magnitude of current in an electrical circuit and transmit this information to a controller, relay, measuring instrument, or automatic control system. This allows controlling loads, detecting overloads, analyzing electricity consumption, and enhancing equipment safety.

Main Types of Current Sensors

Depending on the operating principle, design, and type of electrical circuit, different types of current sensors are applied.

Current Transformers
These are one of the most common options for measuring alternating current. They reduce high current to a safe level that can be transmitted to meters, ammeters, protective relays, or controllers. Such sensors are often used in switchboards, electricity metering systems, and industrial electrical networks.

Hall Effect Current Sensors
These models can measure both alternating and direct current. They operate without direct electrical contact with the conductor and provide galvanic isolation between the power circuit and the measuring part. Hall sensors are often used in drive technology, inverters, chargers, power systems, and automation.

Shunt Current Sensors
A shunt measures current by the voltage drop across a precision resistive element. This is a simple and accurate solution for controlling direct current in power supplies, battery systems, electric transport, solar power plants, and laboratory equipment.

Split-Core Current Sensors
Models with a split core allow installation of the sensor without disconnecting the conductor. This is convenient during switchboard upgrades, energy monitoring, maintenance, and installation in already operating systems.

Rogowski Coils
Flexible sensors for measuring alternating current in cables or busbars. They are suitable for large currents, have a compact design, and are convenient for installation in confined spaces.

Leakage Current Sensors
Used to monitor differential or residual current. They help detect insulation damage, ground leaks, and emergency modes in electrical networks.

Applications of Current Sensors

Current sensors are used in various industries where control of electrical load, equipment protection, or energy consumption analysis is required.

Main application areas:

• switchboard equipment;
• industrial automation systems;
• electric motors and pumping stations;
• frequency converters and drives;
• energy monitoring systems;
• electricity meters and accounting devices;
• uninterruptible power supplies;
• battery systems;
• solar and wind power plants;
• charging stations;
• compressor equipment;
• ventilation units;
• electrical network protection systems;
• dispatching of engineering systems.

In industry, current sensors allow monitoring electric motor operation, detecting overloads, registering starting currents, and transmitting data to PLC or SCADA systems. In commercial and residential facilities, they are used for energy consumption monitoring and improving electrical network efficiency.

Output Signals and Connections

Current sensors can have various output signal types depending on the purpose and equipment they connect to.

Common output options:

• 4–20 mA;
• 0–10 V;
• 0–5 V;
• 1 A or 5 A for current transformers;
• relay output;
• digital interface;
• Modbus;
• analog voltage or current signal.

For automation systems, sensors with standardized signals 4–20 mA or 0–10 V are often used. For electrical measuring devices and relay protection, current transformers with 1 A or 5 A output are typically applied.

How to Choose a Current Sensor

When choosing a current sensor, it is important to consider the type of electrical circuit, measurement range, and connection requirements.

Main selection parameters:

• current type: alternating, direct, or universal;
• nominal measurement range;
• maximum overload current;
• required accuracy;
• type of output signal;
• presence of galvanic isolation;
• mounting method;
• conductor diameter or busbar size;
• split-core or solid design;
• operating voltage of the network;
• frequency of the measured signal;
• operating conditions;
• compatibility with controller, relay, or measuring device.

For simple AC control in switchboards, current transformers are often used. For measuring DC, shunts or Hall effect sensors are more suitable. If installation without cable disconnection is required, a split-core sensor is advisable. For large currents and complex installation conditions, Rogowski coils are convenient.

Advantages of Using Current Sensors

A high-quality current sensor helps improve the reliability of electrical equipment, automate load control, and timely detect emergency modes.

Installing current sensors enables:

• monitoring electricity consumption;
• protecting equipment from overloads;
• detecting emergency conditions;
• monitoring electric motor performance;
• analyzing electric network load;
• improving energy efficiency;
• transmitting data to automation systems;
• reducing the risk of equipment damage;
• optimizing the operation of production and engineering systems.

Current sensors can operate as standalone measuring devices or as part of an integrated control system along with controllers, relays, meters, frequency converters, protective automation, and dispatching software.

Buy Current Sensors

Our catalog features current sensors for industrial automation, switchboard equipment, energy monitoring, electric drives, power supplies, and protection systems. Available models measure both alternating and direct current, including current transformers, Hall sensors, shunts, split-core sensors, and leakage control solutions.

We will help you select a current sensor according to the network type, measurement range, mounting method, output signal, and your automation system requirements.